There’s something magical about cherry blossom season in Japan. Streets transform into tunnels of soft pink petals, people gather under blooming trees for hanami picnics, and everything — from lattes to mochi — seems to get a floral twist. The Seedlip Cherry Blossom mocktail captures that fleeting beauty in a glass. It’s fragrant, refreshing, and perfect for slow sipping as the world warms into spring.
This non-alcoholic drink blends the warm, aromatic notes of Seedlip Spice 94 with sweet cherry syrup and delicate jasmine tea. Served over ice in a rustic terracotta glass and finished with a jasmine flower, it’s a cocktail you’ll want to serve at garden parties, baby showers, or just a quiet afternoon on the balcony.
Why the Cherry Blossom Theme Works So Well in a Drink
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, have been a cultural symbol in Japan for centuries. They represent beauty, renewal, and the fleeting nature of life — here one week, gone the next. Their subtle floral aroma pairs beautifully with sweet-tart cherry, while jasmine tea adds a light, fragrant note that lingers on the palate.
In mocktail form, the Seedlip Cherry Blossom is all about balance. The spice-forward botanicals in Seedlip’s blend prevent the drink from becoming overly sweet, while the cold brew jasmine tea brings a gentle bitterness and a hint of spring meadow. It’s floral without being perfume-heavy, fruity without being cloying.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
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60ml (2oz) Seedlip Spice 94 – aromatic and complex, with notes of allspice, cardamom, and citrus peel.
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2 tsp cherry syrup – for sweetness and rich fruit flavour.
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30ml (1oz) cold brew jasmine tea – floral, refreshing, and a beautiful match to cherry blossom season.
Glassware & Garnish
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Terracotta tumbler or coupe glass – to echo the earthy feel of Japanese tea ceremony vessels.
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Fresh jasmine flower – for a soft, fragrant garnish.
Step-by-Step Method
1. Brew Your Jasmine Tea
If you’re making this from scratch, steep jasmine tea leaves in cold water for 4–6 hours in the fridge. This keeps the flavour smooth and prevents bitterness.
2. Prepare Your Glass
Terracotta or ceramic cups give this drink a tactile, natural feel, but a simple coupe glass works too. Fill with ice to chill while you prepare the mix.
3. Combine the Ingredients
In a shaker tin, add Seedlip Spice 94, cherry syrup, and cold brew jasmine tea. The technique here is called throwing — instead of shaking, pour the liquid back and forth between two tins or mixing glasses to aerate and mix without over-diluting.
4. Serve and Garnish
Discard the ice from your glass, then gently pour in the drink. Float a fresh jasmine flower on top, and if you want to lean into the hanami theme, place a single edible cherry blossom beside it.
Ingredient Spotlight
Seedlip Spice 94
This non-alcoholic spirit is known for its warm spice and citrus notes, making it a perfect backbone for floral and fruity drinks. It’s versatile, sugar-free, and beautifully aromatic — ideal for mocktails where you still want depth and complexity.
Cherry Syrup
You can buy ready-made cherry syrup or make your own by simmering fresh cherries with sugar and water. It provides both sweetness and colour, giving this drink its pink glow.
Cold Brew Jasmine Tea
Cold brewing jasmine tea extracts a gentler, more delicate flavour compared to hot brewing. It’s floral, slightly sweet, and complements the botanicals in Seedlip without overpowering them.
When to Serve the Seedlip Cherry Blossom
This is the kind of drink that shines in settings where presentation matters. Picture:
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Spring garden parties where guests wander between blossoms and laughter drifts in the breeze.
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Afternoon tea spreads with mini sandwiches and pastel-hued desserts.
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Celebrations without alcohol like baby showers, milestone birthdays, or corporate events.
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Mindful solo moments — just you, a good book, and a glass of something beautiful.
Tips for Making it Extra Special
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Chill everything in advance: cold ingredients mean your ice won’t melt too quickly.
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Use edible flowers: they’re safe to consume and elevate the look.
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Make a batch: scale up the recipe for a punch bowl at larger gatherings.
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Try flavoured ice cubes: freeze jasmine tea with edible petals inside for a slow-release garnish.
Variations to Try
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Sakura Blossom Version – replace cherry syrup with sakura syrup for a more traditional Japanese twist.
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Citrus Blossom Twist – swap jasmine tea for cold brew green tea and add a dash of yuzu juice.
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Berry Bloom Fizz – top the finished drink with soda water for a lighter, sparkling version.
Cocktails to Try Next
If you love the Seedlip Cherry Blossom, you might also enjoy:
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Elderflower Spritz – light, floral, and bubbly.
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Citrus G&T – fresh and zesty.
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Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer – a tart, jewel-toned refresher.
